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Freemasonry relies on two pillars; firstly all its members are initiated, secondly it
is a product of Western parliamentary democracy based on: pluralism, tolerance, freedom and justice,
and against all forms of dictatorship and fundamentalism.
Freemasons strive for the realisation of ideals as: freedom, equality and brotherhood.
Freemasons are concerned about any humanitarian problem.
The International Masonic order of "Le Droit Humain" (Human Rights), consist of men and
women aspiring for personal development. No matters are left untouched by its members, but although they aim
to build a better world, the members of 'Le Droit Humain' never bring forward unilateral propositions or solutions.
Freemasonry is not a church nor political party. It is an ethical and non dogmatic organisation, that attaches a lot of
importance to reasoning, free expression and to free examination. As a result Freemasonry is resented by the
Catholic Church
and by some other religious communities.
Countries with a totalitarian government prohibit Freemasonry; an exception on this is Cuba.
In Belgium, Freemasonry is represented by different orders of which the most important are:
Freemasonry however covers a broad pallet of very divergent opinions and people who are in fact
in no relationship which each other, except for the name they take:'Freemasons'.
Freemasonry can be divided into the following groups:
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The Christian (Protestant or regular) Freemasonry especially present in the Anglo-Saxon countries (USA, UK, Canada,
Australia, New Zealand, India and Northern Europe). This group is by far the most popular with 3 to 4 million
members.
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The European continental (Latin, liberal or irregular) Freemasonry, especially present in: France, Belgium, Switzerland, Spain,
Italy, Portugal with a part of the ex-French colonies in Africa and some South American lodges that share the same
liberal thoughts.
These Freemasons are less esoteric and tend to be more rational.
-
De Egyptian Freemasonry established in the 19e century, represented by the rite of
"Memphis- Misraim", which is more esoteric.
-
The "spiritistic Freemasonry", which is more esoteric and occult. This group is represented by
the Knights Templars, the Martinist's, the Order of the Rosy Cross: "AMORC" (Ancient Mystical Order Rosae Crucis)
and by the 'Ordo Templi Orientis'.
They have taken over the Masonic structures, but they have no relationship whatsoever with the Christian nor with the
rational Freemasonry branch.
There are not a lot of Freemasons worldwide because Freemasonry is not a mass article.
Not everyone strives for ethical enrichment, brotherhood, freedom and tolerance.
But that does not mean that Freemasonry stands outside or above the society, on the contrary,
Freemasonry is open to all goodwilling people.
By the means of this web page different Freemasons supply, in their own name, information on Freemasonry.
Therefore Freemasonry is not a sect, and Freemasons care about democratic principles.
The texts on this web site are reflecting the opinion of their authors, but these opinions are not necessarily
dealt with all other members of our lodge; that is just the particularity of Freemasonry.
If one envisages to use one of our texts, please don't forget to mention the source.
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Site created on: December 1, 2003
Latest
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